Stanislaus County- Stanislaus County Health Services Agency Public Health Department officials have received confirmation that a six-year old from Turlock who had SARS-like symptoms does not have SARS. It was confirmed that she tested positive for influenza (commonly known as flu). The notification was received from the State testing lab on Thursday evening. The child was just completing a voluntary ten-day isolation which has now been ended by the Public Health Department.

“We are thrilled at the results of the test and are extremely grateful for how quickly the state lab completed testing,” stated Dr. John Walker, Public Health Officer. “Dr. Carol Glaser and her team at the state lab in Richmond did a tremendous job. This is a big load off of the family, the school and the community.”

The case involves a six-year old child whose father recently traveled to the People’s Republic of China and returned with a respiratory illness. The child then developed an illness with SARS-like symptoms including high fever and pneumonia.

Dr. Walker praised the Turlock School Districts and their staff for their quick and effective coordinated effort.

“The system worked well,” Dr. Walker noted. “A local physician noted the suspected case and immediately contacted Public Health for a coordinated response. The state laboratory was a key player in getting results so quickly.”

Dr. Walker reminded the public that only a very small number of people are at risk for SARS. The primary areas of concern involve mainland China, Hanoi, Vietnam, Hong Kong or Singapore.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical system with 10 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple programs serving over 500,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site www.hsahealth.org